Northern Arizona Book Festival Inc

Overview

The Northern Arizona Book Festival Inc, identified by EIN 861034612, is a nonprofit organization based in Kinłání, the bordertown of Flagstaff, Arizona. Established in 1997, the organization is dedicated to fostering a vibrant literary community through the creation, publication, and showcase of contemporary literary arts from Northern Arizona, the Colorado Plateau, the American Southwest, and beyond.

History

The festival was originally founded by the Literacy Volunteers of Coconino County in 1998, though some sources suggest its inception occurred in 1997[3][4]. It transitioned into an independent nonprofit organization in 2002. Over the years, the festival has undergone significant changes, including a revamp during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to shifts in venue locations, event dates, and branding[3].

Mission

The Northern Arizona Book Festival combines traditional literary events, such as readings, panels, and book discussions, with non-traditional modes including workshops, performances, and immersive experiences. This approach is designed to provide participants with diverse entry points into the literary arts[2]. The organization partners with various nonprofits, presses, businesses, and community groups to enhance literacy and cultural awareness.

Programs

The festival emphasizes four critical areas:

• Indigenous Writers Symposium: Focuses on Native sovereignty, decolonial theory, applied Indigenous studies, language preservation, and the intersection of traditional oral storytelling with contemporary literature[2].
• Young Readers’ Fest: Aims to make literature engaging and accessible for youth, particularly empowering marginalized identities in age-appropriate ways[2].
• Environmental Humanities Series: Explores the intersection of climate science with humanities disciplines[2].
• Off the Page Events: Brings literature to life through theater, dance, multimedia, performance, and music[2].

Events

The festival offers a wide array of free events, including readings, panels, workshops, and hands-on activities. These events are designed to celebrate writing and the cultural heritage of the region, often featuring local and national authors[1][5].

Impact

Since its inception, the Northern Arizona Book Festival has played a significant role in enriching the literary scene in Northern Arizona, providing a platform for authors and readers alike to engage with diverse literary works and cultural issues pertinent to the Colorado Plateau region[1][2].